Features and Benefits
Low RDS(ON) outputs
Automatic current decay mode detection/selection
Mixed and Slow current decay modes
Synchronous rectification for low power dissipation
Internal UVLO
Crossover-current protection
3.3 and 5 V compatible logic supply
Thermal shutdown circuitry
Short-to-ground protection
Shorted load protection
Five selectable step modes: full, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, and 1/16
Package:
Description
The A4988 is a complete microstepping motor driver with
built-in translator for easy operation. It is designed to operate
bipolar stepper motors in full-, half-, quarter-, eighth-, and
sixteenth-step modes, with an output drive capacity of up to
35 V and ±2 A. The A4988 includes a fixed off-time current
regulator which has the ability to operate in Slow or Mixed
decay modes.
The translator is the key to the easy implementation of the
A4988. Simply inputting one pulse on the STEP input drives
the motor one microstep. There are no phase sequence tables,
high frequency control lines, or complex interfaces to program.
The A4988 interface is an ideal fit for applications where a
complex microprocessor is unavailable or is overburdened.
During stepping operation, the chopping control in the A4988
automatically selects the current decay mode, Slow or Mixed.
In Mixed decay mode, the device is set initially to a fast decay
for a proportion of the fixed off-time, then to a slow decay for
the remainder of the off-time. Mixed decay current control
results in reduced audible motor noise, increased step accuracy,
and reduced power dissipation.
DMOS Microstepping Driver with Translator
And Overcurrent Protection
Continued on the next page…
A4988
Microcontroller or
Controller Logic
VDD
VREF GND GND
RESET
ENABLE
SLEEP
DIR
MS2
MS3
MS1
STEP
VBB1
CP1 VCPVREG
VDD
ROSC
5 k
0.22 F
0.22 F
0.1 F0.1 F
100 F
CP2
VBB2
OUT1A
OUT1B
SENSE1
OUT2A
OUT2B
SENSE2
A4988
Approximate size
28-contact QFN
with exposed thermal pad
5 mm × 5 mm × 0.90 mm
(ET package)
Typical Application Diagram
4988-DS, Rev. 4
DMOS Microstepping Driver with Translator
And Overcurrent Protection
A4988
2
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
Internal synchronous rectification control circuitry is provided
to improve power dissipation during PWM operation. Internal
circuit protection includes: thermal shutdown with hysteresis,
undervoltage lockout (UVLO), and crossover-current protection.
Special power-on sequencing is not required.
The A4988 is supplied in a surface mount QFN package (ES), 5 mm
× 5 mm, with a nominal overall package height of 0.90 mm and an
exposed pad for enhanced thermal dissipation. It is lead (Pb) free
(suffix –T), with 100% matte tin plated leadframes.
Description (continued)
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Characteristic Symbol Notes Rating Units
Load Supply Voltage VBB 35 V
Output Current IOUT ±2 A
Logic Input Voltage VIN –0.3 to 5.5 V
Logic Supply Voltage VDD –0.3 to 5.5 V
Motor Outputs Voltage –2.0 to 37 V
Sense Voltage VSENSE –0.5 to 0.5 V
Reference Voltage VREF 5.5 V
Operating Ambient Temperature TARange S –20 to 85 ºC
Maximum Junction TJ(max) 150 ºC
Storage Temperature Tstg –55 to 150 ºC
Selection Guide
Part Number Package Packing
A4988SETTR-T 28-contact QFN with exposed thermal pad 1500 pieces per 7-in. reel
DMOS Microstepping Driver with Translator
And Overcurrent Protection
A4988
3
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
Functional Block Diagram
SENSE1
SENSE2
VREG
VCP
CP2
Control
Logic
DAC
VDD
PWM Latch
Blanking
Mixed Decay
DAC
STEP
DIR
RESET
MS1
PWM Latch
Blanking
Mixed Decay
Current
Regulator
CP1
Charge
Pump
RS2
RS1
VBB1
OUT1A
OUT1B
VBB2
OUT2A
OUT2B
0.1 MF
VREF
Translator
Gate
Drive DMOS Full Bridge
DMOS Full Bridge
0.1 MF
0.22 MF
OSC
ROSC
MS2
REF
ENABLE
SLEEP
MS3
OCP
OCP
DMOS Microstepping Driver with Translator
And Overcurrent Protection
A4988
4
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS1 at TA = 25°C, VBB = 35 V (unless otherwise noted)
Characteristics Symbol Test Conditions Min. Typ.2Max. Units
Output Drivers
Load Supply Voltage Range VBB Operating 8 – 35 V
Logic Supply Voltage Range VDD Operating 3.0 – 5.5 V
Output On Resistance RDSON
Source Driver, IOUT = –1.5 A – 320 430 m
Sink Driver, IOUT = 1.5 A – 320 430 m
Body Diode Forward Voltage VF
Source Diode, IF = –1.5 A – – 1.2 V
Sink Diode, IF = 1.5 A – – 1.2 V
Motor Supply Current IBB
fPWM < 50 kHz – – 4 mA
Operating, outputs disabled – – 2 mA
Logic Supply Current IDD
fPWM < 50 kHz – – 8 mA
Outputs off – – 5 mA
Control Logic
Logic Input Voltage VIN(1) VDD0.7 ––V
VIN(0) ––
VDD0.3 V
Logic Input Current IIN(1) VIN = VDD0.7 –20 <1.0 20 A
IIN(0) VIN = VDD0.3 –20 <1.0 20 A
Microstep Select
RMS1 MS1 pin – 100 – k
RMS2 MS2 pin – 50 – k
RMS3 MS3 pin – 100 – k
Logic Input Hysteresis VHYS(IN) As a % of VDD 51119%
Blank Time tBLANK 0.7 1 1.3 s
Fixed Off-Time tOFF
OSC = VDD or GND 20 30 40 s
ROSC = 25 k23 30 37 s
Reference Input Voltage Range VREF 0–4V
Reference Input Current IREF –3 0 3 A
Current Trip-Level Error3errI
VREF = 2 V, %ITripMAX = 38.27% – – ±15 %
VREF = 2 V, %ITripMAX = 70.71% – – ±5 %
VREF = 2 V, %ITripMAX = 100.00% – – ±5 %
Crossover Dead Time tDT 100 475 800 ns
Protection
Overcurrent Protection Threshold4IOCPST 2.1 – – A
Thermal Shutdown Temperature TTSD – 165 – °C
Thermal Shutdown Hysteresis TTSDHYS –15–°C
VDD Undervoltage Lockout VDDUVLO VDD rising 2.7 2.8 2.9 V
VDD Undervoltage Hysteresis VDDUVLOHYS –90–mV
1For input and output current specifications, negative current is defined as coming out of (sourcing) the specified device pin.
2Typical data are for initial design estimations only, and assume optimum manufacturing and application conditions. Performance may vary for individual
units, within the specified maximum and minimum limits.
3VERR = [(VREF/8) – VSENSE] / (VREF/8).
4Overcurrent protection (OCP) is tested at TA = 25°C in a restricted range and guaranteed by characterization.
DMOS Microstepping Driver with Translator
And Overcurrent Protection
A4988
5
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
THERMAL CHARACTERISTICS
Characteristic Symbol Test Conditions* Value Units
Package Thermal Resistance RJA Four-layer PCB, based on JEDEC standard 32 ºC/W
*Additional thermal information available on Allegro Web site.
Temperature, T
A
(°C)
Power Dissipation, P
D
(W)
0
0.50
1.50
2.00
2.50
3.00
3.50
4.00
1.00
20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
Power Dissipation versus Ambient Temperature
R
QJA
= 32 ºC/W
DMOS Microstepping Driver with Translator
And Overcurrent Protection
A4988
6
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
Figure 1. Logic Interface Timing Diagram
STEP
tA
tD
tC
MS1, MS2, MS3,
RESET, or DIR
t
B
Table 1. Microstepping Resolution Truth Table
Time Duration Symbol Typ. Unit
STEP minimum, HIGH pulse width tA1s
STEP minimum, LOW pulse width tB1s
Setup time, input change to STEP tC200 ns
Hold time, input change to STEP tD200 ns
MS1 MS2 MS3 Microstep Resolution Excitation Mode
L L L Full Step 2 Phase
H L L Half Step 1-2 Phase
L H L Quarter Step W1-2 Phase
H H L Eighth Step 2W1-2 Phase
H H H Sixteenth Step 4W1-2 Phase
DMOS Microstepping Driver with Translator
And Overcurrent Protection
A4988
7
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
Functional Description
Device Operation. The A4988 is a complete microstepping
motor driver with a built-in translator for easy operation with
minimal control lines. It is designed to operate bipolar stepper
motors in full-, half-, quarter-, eighth, and sixteenth-step modes.
The currents in each of the two output full-bridges and all of the
N-channel DMOS FETs are regulated with fixed off-time PWM
(pulse width modulated) control circuitry. At each step, the current
for each full-bridge is set by the value of its external current-sense
resistor (RS1 and RS2), a reference voltage (VREF), and the output
voltage of its DAC (which in turn is controlled by the output of
the translator).
At power-on or reset, the translator sets the DACs and the phase
current polarity to the initial Home state (shown in figures 8
through 12), and the current regulator to Mixed Decay Mode for
both phases. When a step command signal occurs on the STEP
input, the translator automatically sequences the DACs to the
next level and current polarity. (See table 2 for the current-level
sequence.) The microstep resolution is set by the combined effect
of the MSx inputs, as shown in table 1.
When stepping, if the new output levels of the DACs are lower
than their previous output levels, then the decay mode for the
active full-bridge is set to Mixed. If the new output levels of the
DACs are higher than or equal to their previous levels, then the
decay mode for the active full-bridge is set to Slow. This auto-
matic current decay selection improves microstepping perfor-
mance by reducing the distortion of the current waveform that
results from the back EMF of the motor.
Microstep Select (MSx). The microstep resolution is set by
the voltage on logic inputs MSx, as shown in table 1. The MS1 and
MS3 pins have a 100 k pull-down resistance, and the MS2 pin
has a 50 k pull-down resistance. When changing the step mode
the change does not take effect until the next STEP rising edge.
If the step mode is changed without a translator reset, and abso-
lute position must be maintained, it is important to change the
step mode at a step position that is common to both step modes in
order to avoid missing steps. When the device is powered down,
or reset due to TSD or an over current event the translator is set to
the home position which is by default common to all step modes.
Mixed Decay Operation. The bridge operates in Mixed
decay mode, at power-on and reset, and during normal running
according to the ROSC configuration and the step sequence, as
shown in figures 8 through 12. During Mixed decay, when the trip
point is reached, the A4988 initially goes into a fast decay mode
for 31.25% of the off-time, tOFF
. After that, it switches to Slow
decay mode for the remainder of tOFF. A timing diagram for this
feature appears on the next page.
Typically, mixed decay is only necessary when the current in the
winding is going from a higher value to a lower value as determined
by the state of the translator. For most loads automatically-selected
mixed decay is convenient because it minimizes ripple when the
current is rising and prevents missed steps when the current is falling.
For some applications where microstepping at very low speeds is
necessary, the lack of back EMF in the winding causes the current to
increase in the load quickly, resulting in missed steps. This is shown
in figure 2. By pulling the ROSC pin to ground, mixed decay is set to
be active 100% of the time, for both rising and falling currents, and
prevents missed steps as shown in figure 3. If this is not an issue, it
is recommended that automatically-selected mixed decay be used,
because it will produce reduced ripple currents. Refer to the Fixed
Off-Time section for details.
Low Current Microstepping. Intended for applications
where the minimum on-time prevents the output current from
regulating to the programmed current level at low current steps.
To prevent this, the device can be set to operate in Mixed decay
mode on both rising and falling portions of the current waveform.
This feature is implemented by shorting the ROSC pin to ground.
In this state, the off-time is internally set to 30 s.
Reset Input (¯
R
¯
¯
E
¯
¯
S
¯
¯
E
¯
¯
T
¯
). The ¯
R
¯
¯
E
¯
¯
S
¯
¯
E
¯
¯
T
¯
input sets the translator
to a predefined Home state (shown in figures 8 through 12), and
turns off all of the FET outputs. All STEP inputs are ignored until
the ¯
R
¯
¯
E
¯
¯
S
¯
¯
E
¯
¯
T
¯
input is set to high.
Step Input (STEP). A low-to-high transition on the STEP
input sequences the translator and advances the motor one incre-
ment. The translator controls the input to the DACs and the direc-
Functional Description
DMOS Microstepping Driver with Translator
And Overcurrent Protection
A4988
8
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
Figure 2. Missed steps in low-speed microstepping
Figure 3. Continuous stepping using automatically-selected mixed stepping (ROSC pin grounded)
t → , 1 s/div.
Step input 10 V/div.
Mixed Decay
No Missed
Steps
ILOAD 500 mA/div.
t → , 1 s/div.
Step input 10 V/div.
Slow
Decay
Slow
Decay
Slow
Decay
Slow
Decay
Mixed
Decay
Mixed
Decay
Mixed
Decay
Mixed
Decay
Missed
Step
Voltage on ROSC terminal 2 V/div.
DMOS Microstepping Driver with Translator
And Overcurrent Protection
A4988
9
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
tion of current flow in each winding. The size of the increment is
determined by the combined state of the MSx inputs.
Direction Input (DIR). This determines the direction of rota-
tion of the motor. Changes to this input do not take effect until the
next STEP rising edge.
Internal PWM Current Control. Each full-bridge is con-
trolled by a fixed off-time PWM current control circuit that limits
the load current to a desired value, ITRIP
. Initially, a diagonal pair
of source and sink FET outputs are enabled and current flows
through the motor winding and the current sense resistor, RSx.
When the voltage across RSx equals the DAC output voltage, the
current sense comparator resets the PWM latch. The latch then
turns off the appropriate source driver and initiates a fixed off
time decay mode
The maximum value of current limiting is set by the selection of
RSx and the voltage at the VREF pin. The transconductance func-
tion is approximated by the maximum value of current limiting,
ITripMAX (A), which is set by
ITripMAX = VREF / ( 8 R S)
where RS is the resistance of the sense resistor () and VREF is
the input voltage on the REF pin (V).
The DAC output reduces the VREF output to the current sense
comparator in precise steps, such that
Itrip = (%ITripMAX / 100) × ITripMAX
(See table 2 for %ITripMAX at each step.)
It is critical that the maximum rating (0.5 V) on the SENSE1 and
SENSE2 pins is not exceeded.
Fixed Off-Time. The internal PWM current control circuitry
uses a one-shot circuit to control the duration of time that the
DMOS FETs remain off. The off-time, tOFF, is determined by the
ROSC terminal. The ROSC terminal has three settings:
ROSC tied to VDD — off-time internally set to 30 s, decay
mode is automatic Mixed decay except when in full step where
decay mode is set to Slow decay
ROSC tied directly to ground — off-time internally set to
30 s, current decay is set to Mixed decay for both increasing
and decreasing currents for all step modes.
ROSC through a resistor to ground — off-time is determined
by the following formula, the decay mode is automatic Mixed
decay for all step modes.
tOFF ROSC ⁄ 825
Where tOFF is in s.
Blanking. This function blanks the output of the current sense
comparators when the outputs are switched by the internal current
control circuitry. The comparator outputs are blanked to prevent
false overcurrent detection due to reverse recovery currents of the
clamp diodes, and switching transients related to the capacitance
of the load. The blank time, tBLANK (s), is approximately
tBLANK 1 s
Shorted-Load and Short-to-Ground Protection.
If the motor leads are shorted together, or if one of the leads is
shorted to ground, the driver will protect itself by sensing the
overcurrent event and disabling the driver that is shorted, protect-
ing the device from damage. In the case of a short-to-ground, the
device will remain disabled (latched) until the S
¯
¯
L
¯
¯
E
¯
¯
E
¯
¯
P
¯
input goes
high or VDD power is removed. A short-to-ground overcurrent
event is shown in figure 4.
When the two outputs are shorted together, the current path is
through the sense resistor. After the blanking time (≈1 s) expires,
the sense resistor voltage is exceeding its trip value, due to the
overcurrent condition that exists. This causes the driver to go into
a fixed off-time cycle. After the fixed off-time expires the driver
turns on again and the process repeats. In this condition the driver
is completely protected against overcurrent events, but the short
is repetitive with a period equal to the fixed off-time of the driver.
This condition is shown in figure 5.
During a shorted load event it is normal to observe both a posi-
tive and negative current spike as shown in figure 3, due to the
direction change implemented by the Mixed decay feature. This
is shown in figure 6. In both instances the overcurrent circuitry is
protecting the driver and prevents damage to the device.
Charge Pump (CP1 and CP2). The charge pump is used to
generate a gate supply greater than that of VBB for driving the
source-side FET gates. A 0.1 F ceramic capacitor, should be
connected between CP1 and CP2. In addition, a 0.1 F ceramic
capacitor is required between VCP and VBB, to act as a reservoir
for operating the high-side FET gates.
Capacitor values should be Class 2 dielectric ±15% maximum,
or tolerance R, according to EIA (Electronic Industries Alliance)
specifications.
DMOS Microstepping Driver with Translator
And Overcurrent Protection
A4988
10
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
VREG (VREG). This internally-generated voltage is used to
operate the sink-side FET outputs. The nominal output voltage
of the VREG terminal is 7 V. The VREG pin must be decoupled
with a 0.22 F ceramic capacitor to ground. VREG is internally
monitored. In the case of a fault condition, the FET outputs of the
A4988 are disabled.
Capacitor values should be Class 2 dielectric ±15% maximum,
or tolerance R, according to EIA (Electronic Industries Alliance)
specifications.
Enable Input (¯
E
¯
¯
N
¯
¯
A
¯
¯
B
¯
¯
L
¯
¯
E
¯
). This input turns on or off all of the
FET outputs. When set to a logic high, the outputs are disabled.
When set to a logic low, the internal control enables the outputs
as required. The translator inputs STEP, DIR, and MSx, as well as
the internal sequencing logic, all remain active, independent of the
¯
E
¯
¯
N
¯
¯
A
¯
¯
B
¯
¯
L
¯
¯
E
¯
input state.
Shutdown. In the event of a fault, overtemperature (excess TJ)
or an undervoltage (on VCP), the FET outputs of the A4988 are
disabled until the fault condition is removed. At power-on, the
UVLO (undervoltage lockout) circuit disables the FET outputs
and resets the translator to the Home state.
Sleep Mode ( ¯
S
¯
¯
L
¯
¯
E
¯
¯
E
¯
¯
P
¯
). To minimize power consumption
when the motor is not in use, this input disables much of the
internal circuitry including the output FETs, current regulator,
and charge pump. A logic low on the S
¯
¯
L
¯
¯
E
¯
¯
E
¯
¯
P
¯
pin puts the A4988
into Sleep mode. A logic high allows normal operation, as well as
start-up (at which time the A4988 drives the motor to the Home
microstep position). When emerging from Sleep mode, in order
to allow the charge pump to stabilize, provide a delay of 1 ms
before issuing a Step command.
Mixed Decay Operation. The bridge operates in Mixed
Decay mode, depending on the step sequence, as shown in fig-
ures 8 through 12. As the trip point is reached, the A4988 initially
goes into a fast decay mode for 31.25% of the off-time, tOFF.
After that, it switches to Slow Decay mode for the remainder of
tOFF. A timing diagram for this feature appears in figure 7.
Synchronous Rectification. When a PWM-off cycle is
triggered by an internal fixed-off time cycle, load current recircu-
lates according to the decay mode selected by the control logic.
This synchronous rectification feature turns on the appropriate
FETs during current decay, and effectively shorts out the body
diodes with the low FET RDS(ON). This reduces power dissipation
significantly, and can eliminate the need for external Schottky
diodes in many applications. Synchronous rectification turns off
when the load current approaches zero (0 A), preventing reversal
of the load current.
t →
Fixed off-time
5 A / div.
t →
5 A / div.
Figure 4. Short-to-ground event
Figure 5. Shorted load (OUTxA → OUTxB) in
Slow decay mode
Figure 6. Shorted load (OUTxA → OUTxB) in
Mixed decay mode
Fixed off-time
Fast decay portion
(direction change)
t →
5 A / div. Fault
latched
DMOS Microstepping Driver with Translator
And Overcurrent Protection
A4988
11
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
V
STEP
I
OUT
I
OUT
t
See Enlargement A
Enlargement A
tSD
tFD
toff
Slow Decay
Mixed Decay
Fast Decay
IPEAK
70.71
–70.71
0
100.00
–100.00
Symbol Characteristic
toff Device fixed off-time
IPEAK Maximum output current
tSD Slow decay interval
tFD Fast decay interval
IOUT Device output current
Figure 7. Current Decay Modes Timing Chart
DMOS Microstepping Driver with Translator
And Overcurrent Protection
A4988
12
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
Application Layout
Layout. The printed circuit board should use a heavy ground-
plane. For optimum electrical and thermal performance, the
A4988 must be soldered directly onto the board. Pins 3 and 18
are internally fused, which provides a path for enhanced thermal
dissipation. Theses pins should be soldered directly to an exposed
surface on the PCB that connects to thermal vias are used to
transfer heat to other layers of the PCB.
In order to minimize the effects of ground bounce and offset
issues, it is important to have a low impedance single-point
ground, known as a star ground, located very close to the device.
By making the connection between the pad and the ground plane
directly under the A4988, that area becomes an ideal location for
a star ground point. A low impedance ground will prevent ground
bounce during high current operation and ensure that the supply
voltage remains stable at the input terminal.
The two input capacitors should be placed in parallel, and as
close to the device supply pins as possible. The ceramic capaci-
tor (CIN1) should be closer to the pins than the bulk capacitor
(CIN2). This is necessary because the ceramic capacitor will be
responsible for delivering the high frequency current components.
The sense resistors, RSx , should have a very low impedance
path to ground, because they must carry a large current while
supporting very accurate voltage measurements by the current
sense comparators. Long ground traces will cause additional
voltage drops, adversely affecting the ability of the comparators
to accurately measure the current in the windings. The SENSEx
pins have very short traces to the RSx resistors and very thick,
low impedance traces directly to the star ground underneath the
device. If possible, there should be no other components on the
sense circuits.
V
BB
V
DD
1
PAD
A4988
C3
C6 R1
R2
R3
C1 C8
C2
C9C7 RS2RS1
R6
C4
OUT1B
NC
DIR
REF
STEP
VDD
OUT2B
ENABLE
CP1
CP2
VCP
NC
VREG
MS1
MS2
MS3
RESET
ROSC
SLEEP
VBB2
SENSE2
OUT2A
NC
OUT1A
SENSE1
VBB1
GND
GND
PCB
Thermal Vias
Trace (2 oz.)
Signal (1 oz.)
Ground (1 oz.)
Thermal (2 oz.)
Solder
A4988
DMOS Microstepping Driver with Translator
And Overcurrent Protection
A4988
13
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
VCP
GND
CP2
GND
CP1VBB
8 V
GND
VDD
GND GND
8 V
GND GND
8 V
VBB
VREG
10 V
GND
DMOS
Parasitic
SENSE VREG
GND
VBB
40 V
GND
VBB
OUT
DMOS
Parasitic
DMOS
Parasitic
GND
PGND GND
MS1
MS2
MS3
DIR
VREF
ROSC
SLEEP
Pin Circuit Diagrams
DMOS Microstepping Driver with Translator
And Overcurrent Protection
A4988
14
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
Figure 9. Decay Modes for Half-Step IncrementsFigure 8. Decay Mode for Full-Step Increments
Phase 2
IOUT2A
Direction = H
(%)
Phase 1
IOUT1A
Direction = H
(%)
STEP
Home Microstep Position
Home Microstep Position
100.00
70.71
–70.71
0.00
–100.00
100.00
70.71
–70.71
0.00
–100.00
Slow
Slow
*With ROSC pin tied to GND
Home Microstep Position
Home Microstep Position
100.00
70.71
–70.71
0.00
–100.00
100.00
70.71
–70.71
0.00
–100.00
Phase 2
I
OUT2B
Direction = H
(%)
Phase 1
I
OUT1A
Direction = H
(%)
STEP
Slow
Mixed
Mixed*
Mixed*
Slow
Mixed
Slow
Mixed
Mixed
Slow
Mixed
Slow
Mixed
Slow
Slow
0.00
100.00
92.39
70.71
38.27
–38.27
–70.71
–92.39
–100.00
0.00
100.00
92.39
70.71
38.27
–38.27
–70.71
–92.39
–100.00
Phase 2
IOUT2B
Direction = H
(%)
Phase 1
IOUT1A
Direction = H
(%)
Home Microstep Position
Slow Mixed Slow
Slow Mixed
Slow Mixed Slow MixedMixed
STEP
Slow
Mixed*
Mixed*
*
With ROSC pin tied to GND
Figure 10. Decay Modes for Quarter-Step Increments
DIR= H
DIR= H DIR= H
DMOS Microstepping Driver with Translator
And Overcurrent Protection
A4988
15
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
Figure 11. Decay Modes for Eighth-Step Increments
Mixed Mixed
Slow Slow
Mixed Slow Mixed Slow
0.00
100.00
92.39
70.71
55.56
–55.56
83.15
–83.15
38.27
19.51
–19.51
–38.27
–70.71
–92.39
–100.00
0.00
100.00
92.39
70.71
55.56
–55.56
83.15
–83.15
38.27
19.51
–19.51
–38.27
–70.71
–92.39
–100.00
Phase 2
I
OUT2B
Direction = H
(%)
Phase 1
I
OUT1A
Direction = H
(%)
Home Microstep Position
STEP
Mixed*
Mixed*
*With ROSC pin tied to GND
DIR= H
DMOS Microstepping Driver with Translator
And Overcurrent Protection
A4988
16
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
Figure 12. Decay Modes for Sixteenth-Step Increments
MixedSlow
Mixed*
Mixed*
MixedSlow
MixedSlow Slow
Slow
100.00
95.69
88.19
83.15
–83.15
77.30
70.71
63.44
55.56
47.14
38.27
29.03
19.51
9.8
0.00
–100.00
–95.69
–88.19
–77.30
–70.71
–63.44
–55.56
–47.14
–38.27
–29.03
–19.51
–9.8
100.00
95.69
88.19
83.15
–83.15
77.30
70.71
63.44
55.56
47.14
38.27
29.03
19.51
9.8
0.00
–100.00
–95.69
–88.19
–77.30
–70.71
–63.44
–55.56
–47.14
–38.27
–29.03
–19.51
–9.8
Phase 2
I
OUT2B
Direction = H
(%)
Phase 1
I
OUT1A
Direction = H
(%)
Home Microstep Position
Mixed
*With ROSC pin tied to GND
STEP
DIR= H
DMOS Microstepping Driver with Translator
And Overcurrent Protection
A4988
17
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
Table 2. Step Sequencing Settings
Home microstep position at Step Angle 45º; DIR = H
Full
Step
#
Half
Step
#
1/4
Step
#
1/8
Step
#
1/16
Step
#
Phase 1
Current
[% ItripMax]
(%)
Phase 2
Current
[% ItripMax]
(%)
Step
Angle
(º)
Full
Step
#
Half
Step
#
1/4
Step
#
1/8
Step
#
1/16
Step
#
Phase 1
Current
[% ItripMax]
(%)
Phase 2
Current
[% ItripMax]
(%)
Step
Angle
(º)
1121100.00 0.00 0.0 5 9 17 33 –100.00 0.00 180.0
2 99.52 9.80 5.6 34 –99.52 –9.80 185.6
2 3 98.08 19.51 11.3 18 35 –98.08 –19.51 191.3
4 95.69 29.03 16.9 36 –95.69 –29.03 196.9
2 3 5 92.39 38.27 22.5 10 19 37 –92.39 –38.27 202.5
6 88.19 47.14 28.1 38 –88.19 –47.14 208.1
4 7 83.15 55.56 33.8 20 39 –83.15 –55.56 213.8
8 77.30 63.44 39.4 40 –77.30 –63.44 219.4
1235970.71 70.71 45.0 3 6 11 21 41 –70.71 –70.71 225.0
10 63.44 77.30 50.6 42 –63.44 –77.30 230.6
6 11 55.56 83.15 56.3 22 43 –55.56 –83.15 236.3
12 47.14 88.19 61.9 44 –47.14 –88.19 241.9
4 7 13 38.27 92.39 67.5 12 23 45 –38.27 –92.39 247.5
14 29.03 95.69 73.1 46 –29.03 –95.69 253.1
8 15 19.51 98.08 78.8 24 47 –19.51 –98.08 258.8
16 9.80 99.52 84.4 48 –9.80 –99.52 264.4
3 5 9 17 0.00 100.00 90.0 7 13 25 49 0.00 –100.00 270.0
18 –9.80 99.52 95.6 50 9.80 –99.52 275.6
10 19 –19.51 98.08 101.3 26 51 19.51 –98.08 281.3
20 –29.03 95.69 106.9 52 29.03 –95.69 286.9
6 11 21 –38.27 92.39 112.5 14 27 53 38.27 –92.39 292.5
22 –47.14 88.19 118.1 54 47.14 –88.19 298.1
12 23 –55.56 83.15 123.8 28 55 55.56 –83.15 303.8
24 –63.44 77.30 129.4 56 63.44 –77.30 309.4
2 4 7 13 25 –70.71 70.71 135.0 4 8 15 29 57 70.71 –70.71 315.0
26 –77.30 63.44 140.6 58 77.30 –63.44 320.6
14 27 –83.15 55.56 146.3 30 59 83.15 –55.56 326.3
28 –88.19 47.14 151.9 60 88.19 –47.14 331.9
8 15 29 –92.39 38.27 157.5 16 31 61 92.39 –38.27 337.5
30 –95.69 29.03 163.1 62 95.69 –29.03 343.1
16 31 –98.08 19.51 168.8 32 63 98.08 –19.51 348.8
32 –99.52 9.80 174.4 64 99.52 –9.80 354.4
DMOS Microstepping Driver with Translator
And Overcurrent Protection
A4988
18
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
Pin-out Diagram
Terminal List Table
Name Number Description
CP1 4 Charge pump capacitor terminal
CP2 5 Charge pump capacitor terminal
VCP 6 Reservoir capacitor terminal
VREG 8 Regulator decoupling terminal
MS1 9 Logic input
MS2 10 Logic input
MS3 11 Logic input
¯
R
¯
¯
E
¯
¯
S
¯
¯
E
¯
¯
T
¯ 12 Logic input
ROSC 13 Timing set
¯
S
¯
¯
L
¯
¯
E
¯
¯
E
¯
¯
P
¯ 14 Logic input
VDD 15 Logic supply
STEP 16 Logic input
REF 17 Gm reference voltage input
GND 3, 18 Ground*
DIR 19 Logic input
OUT1B 21 DMOS Full Bridge 1 Output B
VBB1 22 Load supply
SENSE1 23 Sense resistor terminal for Bridge 1
OUT1A 24 DMOS Full Bridge 1 Output A
OUT2A 26 DMOS Full Bridge 2 Output A
SENSE2 27 Sense resistor terminal for Bridge 2
VBB2 28 Load supply
OUT2B 1 DMOS Full Bridge 2 Output B
¯
E
¯
¯
N
¯
¯
A
¯
¯
B
¯
¯
L
¯
¯
E
¯ 2 Logic input
NC 7, 20, 25 No connection
PAD – Exposed pad for enhanced thermal dissipation*
*The GND pins must be tied together externally by connecting to the PAD ground plane
under the device.
PAD
21
20
19
18
17
16
15
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
28
27
26
25
24
23
22
VBB2
SENSE2
OUT2A
NC
OUT1A
SENSE1
VBB1
VREG
MS1
MS2
MS3
RESET
ROSC
SLEEP
OUT1B
NC
DIR
GND
REF
STEP
VDD
OUT2B
ENABLE
GND
CP1
CP2
VCP
NC
DMOS Microstepping Driver with Translator
And Overcurrent Protection
A4988
19
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
ET Package, 28-Pin QFN with Exposed Thermal Pad
0.25 +0.05
–0.07 0.50 0.90 ±0.10
C0.08
29X SEATING
PLANE C
ATerminal #1 mark area
BExposed thermal pad (reference only, terminal #1
identifier appearance at supplier discretion)
For Reference Only; not for tooling use
(reference JEDEC MO-220VHHD-1)
Dimensions in millimeters
Exact case and lead configuration at supplier discretion within limits shown
CReference land pattern layout (reference IPC7351
QFN50P500X500X100-29V1M);
All pads a minimum of 0.20 mm from all adjacent pads; adjust as
necessary to meet application process requirements and PCB layout
tolerances; when mounting on a multilayer PCB, thermal vias at the
exposed thermal pad land can improve thermal dissipation (reference
EIA/JEDEC Standard JESD51-5)
28
2
1
A
28
1
2
PCB Layout Reference View
B3.15
0.73 MAX
3.15
3.15
3.15
0.30
1
28 0.50
1.15
4.80
4.80
C
5.00 ±0.15
5.00 ±0.15
D
DCoplanarity includes exposed thermal pad and terminals
DMOS Microstepping Driver with Translator
And Overcurrent Protection
A4988
20
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
Copyright ©2009-2013, Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC reserves the right to make, from time to time, such de par tures from the detail spec i fi ca tions as may be required to
permit improvements in the per for mance, reliability, or manufacturability of its products. Before placing an order, the user is cautioned to verify that
the information being relied upon is current.
Allegro’s products are not to be used in life support devices or systems, if a failure of an Allegro product can reasonably be expected to cause the
failure of that life support device or system, or to affect the safety or effectiveness of that device or system.
The in for ma tion in clud ed herein is believed to be ac cu rate and reliable. How ev er, Allegro MicroSystems, LLC assumes no re spon si bil i ty for its
use; nor for any in fringe ment of patents or other rights of third parties which may result from its use.
For the latest version of this document, visit our website:
www.allegromicro.com
Revision History
Revision Revision Date Description of Revision
Rev. 4 January 27, 2012 Update IOCPST
